The Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue in Greenfield, Massachusetts, says Black patron Soe Noire has faced threats, slurs and harassment after its move to make Saturday nights mask-optional drew backlash. The bar said Noire did not call for the venue to shut down or be firebombed.
Since opening in 2025, the venue had asked patrons to wear a KN-95 respirator or better to accommodate immunocompromised and COVID-conscious people. Its Aug. 31 post said Saturday nights would be mask-optional to try typical club nights with themes, hosts and DJs at full capacity; masked public and private bookings would retain priority, and a monthly masked social would continue.
At a Sept. 11 accountability session, Noire said he no longer felt safe at the venue and accused owner Jackie Matellian of centering her feelings. Newsweek reported Matellian discussed financial strain, including living in her car and struggling to repay a $50,000 loan tied to the local small business. The venue said Noire was also being reported to police over something he had not done; a follow-up session was scheduled for October, according to Newsweek.
